Ruin and Rising (Grisha Trilogy #3)

The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives. Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

No

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No! No! NO! Why does she lose her powers? Why does she get with Mal? Why does the Darkling have to die?! I mean the prince was the best choice out of the two left even though I'm one of those weird people that loved the Darkling and wanted her with him.

I think he could have changed! He was just a lonely boy that no one understood. I felt my heart being ripped out when he died. I held out hope this whole time that Alina would come to her senses and go with him or the prince but no. No! The Darkling is just like her, he understands her and she could really help him. She could have at least been his friend, not killed him.

I am so glad the prince was saved though. He's swoon worthy in his own right and still way better than Mal. Can you tell I'm bitter about Mal yet? I think that the prince will make the best king. I think he's the only one that would make a great ruler actually. I started to think he was a goner and was worried who would take the throne.

I loved this series and I'm glad that peace is back to the land and the ending wrapped up nicely I guess. I just hate the choices she made, she could have made a difference in the kingdom and instead runs off to be with Mal.... If you like Mal and like that she ended up with him than I'm happy for you but I didn't like it. How many more times will I say that? No more I promise.

I just really wish that she had stayed with the prince and helped him, I think that would have been a better ending and I think it would have made more sense, she could really help him and they'd do great things together. I'm at least glad she's happy though. She deserves happiness after all the crap she went through.

A fantastic conclusion to an incredible trilogy

Leigh Bardugo’s Ruin and Rising, the third and final book in her Grisha trilogy, was the finale the series needed. The characters experience a wide range of development; the plot was intriguing; and the ending was magnificent. I want to go cry on Bardugo’s shoulder for what she made me go through.

There were so many questions I had going into the last book: will Alina accept Nikolai’s proposal and become Queen of Ravka? Or will Alina and Mal set aside their grievances and find a way to be together? And perhaps the most important question: will she find a way to defeat the Darkling once and for all, or will she allow herself to be seduced by him and rule Ravka by his side?

The novel begins where it left off at the end of Siege and Storm: Alina and the other Grisha under her command are trapped in the underground church controlled by the fanatical Apparat, who has forced Alina into the position of ‘saint’ and the leader of the cult that has formed in her name. Because she is trapped underground, her sun powers are stunted and she is wasting away. Her rag-tag group of friends – who I consider the best feature of this novel – help her escape and restore her powers. Together, they make the perilous journey to find the last of the Morozova amplifiers, the firebird, so Alina can finally face and defeat the Darkling and his evil army.

The characters, especially the secondary ones, were perhaps the best part of Ruin and Rising. They really come into their own. The last few members of Alina’s army consist of: a brain-damaged pyromaniac and his cat, twin religious fanatics, a sassy and snobby Squaller, a redeemed traitor, her nerdy lover, and Mal. Zoya transforms quite a bit in this novel: she is just as bitchy and up-herself as usual, but this time she is focused and dedicated to herself and to what she believes is right. I love that about her. Although, my absolute favourite character was Harshaw – he was the cutest and the funniest of characters, and I just wanted to hug him and Oncat.

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the novel was the Darkling’s complex personality. He and Alina are connected so we are given an exclusive look into his true personality: he is definitely power-hungry, but he is lonely, too, and just a boy. Like all human beings, he simply wants someone to love and to love him in return. He thinks he’s found that person in Alina, who, like he, is the only one of her kind. I wouldn’t necessarily say the Darkling loves Alina, but he does desire her and want her to belong to him. However, that is not love; that is wanting to control another person, which is why I grow mad when I see reviews criticizing the ending of Ruin and Rising, specifically who Alina ends up with. As much as it pains me to say it, the Darkling and Alina would not make a good couple. It would not be a healthy relationship; the Darkling is too obsessed with power and control to fully allow himself to love another. Despite this, I don’t hate him! Hell, I actually love the guy! And that, my friends, is the mark of an incredible writer, where the reader doesn’t even hate the bad guy. However, Alina deserves better than the Darkling. She deserves Mal.

Mal. Oh, Mal. Didn’t I say in my Siege and Storm review that I still loved him, even with most of the fandom hating on him? Well, look who’s laughing now. Mal really grows in this book: he matures and gives Alina the space she needs; he is no longer yelling at her, or pouting in the corner feeling sorry for himself. He becomes an active member of Alina’s army and many of the Grisha look to him when it comes to making the big decisions usually reserved for generals. His love for Alina just gets sweeter and more powerful each book. The sacrifices he is willing to make for her were gut-wrenching to read. I cried and cried during the last few chapters of the novel. I can’t say anything more without spoiling a massive plot twist, but be prepared to sob into your pillow.

The story progressed smoothly. I was a little disappointed that it did follow a similar storyline to the first two books – as in trying to find a Morozova amplifier – but that disappointment was thoroughly removed by the last quarter of the book. Every time you think you know where Bardugo’s story is going, she screws you over and effortlessly introduces a plot twist that seems to come out of nowhere. However, if you look back on the other novels, you’ll find that Bardugo had slowly been leading up to it all along.

Overall, I was very satisfied with the conclusion of the Grisha trilogy. I didn’t see the ending coming at all and was very glad that it did not go the way I thought it would, as in the clichéd YA fantasy heroine ending with the protagonist becoming Queen or something along those lines. Everything came together, every plotline had been resolved and even though I was an emotional mess, I felt as though the ending had done the series justice. Leigh Bardugo has concluded her original, beautiful triogy in a spectacular way. I can’t wait to delve into her new series that melds elements of the Grishaverse with a whole new storyline and fierce characters.

It’s been one hell of a ride, Bardugo. Thanks for the memories.

Good Points

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Beautiful ending to a beautiful series

I could not but Ruin and Rising down. Leigh has given her fans one of the most amazing series ending books I have ever come across. There are no breaks. No perfect "Okay, I think I'll start dinner now" moments. Not only do you not want to put it down, you can't. It's impossible! There was one very distinct moment, and I cannot say when because hello HUGE spoiler, where I knew I wasn't finishing this book on Sunday unless it was the wee hours of Sunday morning. I will tell you it was around page 250, about 59% into the book.

Alina's character has made such a transformation from herself in Shadow and Bone. Even The Darkling makes note of it when he makes a sex joke and she dishes it right back when two novels ago she would have blushed and looked away. Speaking of The Darkling - we learn is name! You know Leigh definitely is definitely going to tie up all loose ends when she reveals even that smallest detail.

There are so few Grisha left for Alina after the events of Siege and Storm, but this small group (we're talking 12 people) ban together in such an amazing way to stand against The Darkling and his cruelty. Considering the number of characters Leigh has to work with, each and every one of them stand on their own two feet. Their personalities never blend into one another and they don't come across as one secondary blob. A true testament to Leigh's writing ability.

It's not just characters though. She does an amazing job with descriptions, scenery, Alina's internal thoughts. Nothing about Ruin and Rising comes across as a 417 page novel. You can't escape her beautiful writing and the real world doesn't bleed through while you're reading either.

I'm not really going to touch on the romance, there is such a huge divide in this series that I know people will be pissed, pleased, and contented. Not many people are able to pull having more than one love interest, but it's real and logical in The Grisha. There is no "clear choice" or a guy thrown in there just to make things interesting. Leigh did a wonderful job with her love quadrangle, simple as that.

To boil this rather long review down, Ruin and Rising is a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. The writing is fantastic, the continuously developing characters lovable, and the plot simply amazing. I was already a fan of Leigh's halfway through Shadow and Bone, but knowing that she can end a series just as well as she can start a series has sky rocketed her to a position on my top authors.

LOVE IT!!!

I don’t know where to start. Ruin and Rising was one of the most anticipated book for me. When I finally got my copy, I was overjoyed and a bit nervous to finally learn the Darkling's name( *sighs*), and everything that will happen to end the series. I was so not disappointed. In this book everything that happen on Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm click together, every question was answered ( in the most unexpected way). The story of Morozava was the most shocking, thou I wasn't that off about the connection between him and the Darkling.
And now that I mention the Darkling I wasn't disappointed one bit about everything he did (thou he wasn't that present like that last two books). And his name, Love it, so common but makes him look more human. I know he can be a “monster” but that’s the only way he knows what to be. I love his somewhat redemption in the end. Oh and did I mention who hot he is ,no, well HOT!!!
Now, to Mal. What can I say, I felt for him, such a splendid ( and a bit martyr) soul. To learn what he truly has, it made complete sense. I was so sad to learn what happen to him that I almost couldn't finished reading R&R; but then again, I wanted more to know how Alina will react. I was jumping and screaming like a crazy person as I read the “miracle” produced in Mal. I may have fallen for Mal, but the Darkling will always be in my heart (like in Alina’s).
Nikolai, man was I so not expecting that to happen to him, but wow he’s such a fighter and cocky to the end. You just have to love him.
Alina, I love to see the changes and growth she has gone trough over the course of the three books specially in this one. She was awesome, great heroine.
I took my time reading Ruin and Rising because I wanted to savored every feeling, event, outcome, change, learning, everything about it. I was absolutely delighted with the writing, well the story itself. I loved everything Bardugo writes. Prior to reading this final book, I read the first to book again( for like the fourth time) and the short stories accompanying the Grisha Trilogy. She is an amazing writer with the ability to transport the reader to a whole new level of satisfaction. She was gifted and blesses by the Saints. This book exceeded my expectations.
I won’t say more or I will end up discussing every aspect of the story and more (which will spoiled everything for those who haven’t read it) YOU MUST READ IT, HEAR ME (or is it read me?).JUST READ IT.
I have only one word for this book UNFORGETTABLE. 5 are not enough, will give it an 8 (one of my favorite numbers) Stars.

Better than the first two books

I don’t know where to start. Ruin and Rising was one of the most anticipated book for me. When I finally got my copy, I was overjoyed and a bit nervous to finally learn the Darkling's name( *sighs*), and everything that will happen to end the series. I was so not disappointed. In this book everything that happen on Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm click together, every question was answered ( in the most unexpected way). The story of Morozava was the most shocking, thou I wasn't that off about the connection between him and the Darkling.
And now that I mention the Darkling I wasn't disappointed one bit about everything he did (thou he wasn't that present like that last two books). And his name, Love it, so common but makes him look more human. I know he can be a “monster” but that’s the only way he knows what to be. I love his somewhat redemption in the end. Oh and did I mention who hot he is ,no, well HOT!!!
Now, to Mal. What can I say, I felt for him, such a splendid ( and a bit martyr) soul. To learn what he truly has, it made complete sense. I was so sad to learn what happen to him that I almost couldn't finished reading R&R; but then again, I wanted more to know how Alina will react. I was jumping and screaming like a crazy person as I read the “miracle” produced in Mal. I may have fallen for Mal, but the Darkling will always be in my heart (like in Alina’s).
Nikolai, man was I so not expecting that to happen to him, but wow he’s such a fighter and cocky to the end. You just have to love him.
Alina, I love to see the changes and growth she has gone trough over the course of the three books specially in this one. She was awesome, great heroine.
I took my time reading Ruin and Rising because I wanted to savored every feeling, event, outcome, change, learning, everything about it. I was absolutely delighted with the writing, well the story itself. I loved everything Bardugo writes. Prior to reading this final book, I read the first to book again( for like the fourth time) and the short stories accompanying the Grisha Trilogy. She is an amazing writer with the ability to transport the reader to a whole new level of satisfaction. She was gifted and blesses by the Saints. This book exceeded my expectations.
I won’t say more or I will end up discussing every aspect of the story and more (which will spoiled everything for those who haven’t read it) YOU MUST READ IT, HEAR ME (or is it read me?).JUST READ IT.
I have only one word for this book UNFORGETABLE. 5 are not enough, will give it an 8 (one of my favorite numbers) Stars.

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